Accused denies involvement in alleged plan to sell Joshlin Smith

Accused denies involvement in alleged plan to sell Joshlin Smith! One of the accused in the Joshlin Smith trial has denied any involvement in an alleged plan to sell the missing six-year-old girl to a sangoma.

Joshlin’s mother, Kelly Smith, her boyfriend, Jacquen Appollis, and his friend, Stevano van Rhyn, are currently on trial in the Western Cape High Court, which is sitting at the Saldanha Bay multi-purpose centre. The three accused face charges of kidnapping and human trafficking in connection with Joshlin’s disappearance.

Defence Lawyer Challenges State Witness’ Testimony

On Monday, defence attorney Fanie Harmse, representing Jacquen Appollis, concluded his cross-examination of Lourentia Lombaard, a former accused who turned state witness.

Harmse specifically questioned Lombaard’s version of events on the day that Joshlin disappeared.

According to Lombaard’s testimony, she saw Kelly Smith pack a black cooler bag with Joshlin’s clothes on the morning of her disappearance. She further stated that before leaving for work, Smith instructed Appollis to get Joshlin ready.

Accused denies involvement

Accused Denies Knowledge of Any Plot

However, Appollis has denied any involvement in a scheme to sell the little girl.

Harmse told the court:

“My client denies being part of Smith’s alleged plan to sell Joshlin. He also denies seeing Smith pack a bag for Joshlin, and he did not hear Smith ask him to get the child ready.”

This statement directly contradicts Lombaard’s testimony, casting doubt on her credibility as a witness.

State Witness Lombaard’s Testimony Under Scrutiny

Lombaard, who was initially one of the accused, was granted immunity in exchange for her cooperation with the prosecution. She has provided damning testimony against her former co-accused, claiming that Kelly Smith sold Joshlin to a sangoma for R20,000.

According to her account:

• Joshlin’s mother allegedly discussed the sale of her child with Appollis before she left for work.

• A white VW Polo arrived later that day, and Smith allegedly took Joshlin to meet the sangoma dressed in green.

• The following afternoon, Joshlin was taken to the car and never seen again.

Lombaard claims she overheard these discussions but did not alert authorities at the time.

Appollis’ Defence Strategy

Appollis’ legal team has worked to discredit Lombaard’s testimony, suggesting that she may be fabricating details to secure her freedom.

Harmse emphasized that there was no evidence proving Appollis had knowledge of or participated in any human trafficking scheme. He also questioned why Lombaard did not come forward earlier if she was truly concerned about Joshlin’s safety.

Trial Expected to Continue

As the trial proceeds, more evidence and witness testimonies will be presented to determine whether the accused were involved in Joshlin’s disappearance and alleged sale.

The case has shaken the community, with residents demanding answers and justice for the missing child. Outside the courtroom, community members have continued to hold prayer vigils, hoping for a breakthrough that will lead to Joshlin being found.

The trial is set to continue this week, with the prosecution expected to call more witnesses to strengthen its case against the accused.